May 13th, 2020

“In His Hands”
 
 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; & lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, & he shall direct thy paths.           Proverbs 3:5-6

            Nature teaches us much about God and His wonderful providence. For instance, He supplies the animals and the fowls of the air with innate abilities that help them survive in a hostile environment. They are guided and preserved even though their intelligence is limited.  Some birds would perish if they had to stay all year in areas, which have extreme variations in temperature.  So the Lord has given them migrating instincts.
 
            Studies indicate that the small indigo bunting (a member of the finch family) apparently steers his way 2000 miles south every year just by looking over his shoulder at the northern sky. Steven T. Emlen of the University of Michigan says this night-flying bird does not seem to rely on any one star or constellation for his direction.  Instead, he recognizes the whole geometric pattern of the heavenly bodies within 35 degrees of the North Star.  He can be confused only when that area is entirely obscured by clouds. Then his flight is instinctively discontinued until he can once again get a clear view of the sky.
 
            What a tremendous lesson for the child of God. Our lives also have times when our direction or interests are obscured by clouds.   These shadows of our lives often steal our joy, dampen our faith, and sap our life and strength, sometimes to the point we feel we can’t go on.  If we willfully place our trust and love in Christ the clouds will be removed and God’s strong presence and help will be experienced again.
 
            A very sick, British preacher Charles Simeon smiled brightly and asked the people gathered in his room, "What do you think especially gives me comfort at this time?"
 
            When they all remained silent, he exclaimed, "The creation!  I ask myself, 'Did Jehovah create the world or did I?'  He did!  Now if He made the world and all the rolling spheres of the universe, He certainly can take care of me.  Into Jesus' hands I can safely commit my spirit!"
 
            Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission, in the closing months of his life said to a friend, "I am so weak.  I can't read my Bible.  I can't even pray.  I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child and trust."   Both Simeon and Taylor knew that the almighty God who created the universe was holding them in His hands.
 
            Job 37:14 states, “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God”. In Psalms 46:10, this thought was continued, “Be still, and know that I am God…The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
 
                      Child of God always remember that you can, "Cast your care upon Him for He cares for you."
 
                       I hope the words of this wonderful song, "Hand in Hand with Jesus" written by Johnson Oatman, blesses you as it did me.
 
Once from my poor sin-sick soul Christ did every burden roll
Now I walk redeemed and whole Hand in hand with Jesus
 
Hand in hand we walk each day Hand in hand along the way
Walking thus I cannot stray Hand in hand with Jesus
 
In my night of dark despair Jesus heard me and answered my prayer
Now I'm walking free as air Hand in hand with Jesus
 
Hand in hand we walk each day Hand in hand along the way
Walking thus I cannot stray Hand in hand with Jesus
 
When the stars are backward rolled And His Home I shall behold
I will walk those streets of gold Hand in hand with Jesus
 
Hand in hand we walk each day Hand in hand along the way
Walking thus I cannot stray Hand in hand with Jesus
 
 
Rejoice always…especially in times like these!
 
Pastor Rudy